Collapsible declogging assembly for unclogging drains

ABSTRACT

A plunger or declogger assembly device is described that includes a collapsible frusto-conical container body and a valve-equipped lid for applying liquid, such as water, under pressure to clear drain clogs when the plunger device is placed over a drain opening. The frusto-conical container body is collapsible and the cover member or lid has a built-in lip for sealing purposes and the cover member is valve-equipped so as to release water only when downward pressure is applied to the top of the container, forcing the container to vertically and concentrically collapse and thereby force the liquid out and into the clogged drain.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of the provisional application having Ser. No. 62/628,610, filed on Feb. 9, 2018, entitled COLLAPSIBLE DECLOGGING ASSEMBLY FOR UNCLOGGING DRAINS, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an apparatus for clearing clogged drains in kitchen, bathroom or utility room drains.

BACKGROUND

Currently there are a number of solutions for unclogging drains. One of these solutions attempts to pour chemicals down the clogged drain, but this solution fails to meet the needs of the market because these chemicals are hard on both the copper or PVC pipes and the environment. Additionally, this process is time consuming as you wait for the chemicals to dissolve the clog and then these chemicals may present a safety hazard if a user attempts to manually unclog the drain after the chemicals fail. Another solution attempts to utilize a plumbing snake, but this solution is similarly unable to meet the needs of the market because the snake can get stuck in the drain, and it brings the clog back up the drain, instead of pushing it down the sewer. Still another solution seeks to use a hose to apply water pressure, but this solution also fails to meet market needs because this hose is cumbersome and water can spray out of the hose, causing a mess.

Therefore, there is a need for a device to unclog drains that does not present a chemical hazard to the user nor sprays waste water back onto the user as the drain is being unclogged. Further, there is a need for a declogger device that does not damage drain pipes and plumbing systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a collapsible container designed to be placed over a drain for applying liquid under pressure to clear clogs. It would be advantageous to have an apparatus that unclogged drains with natural materials such as water. Furthermore, it would also be advantageous to have an apparatus that was compact for use and storage. Still further, it would be advantageous to have an apparatus that creates a seal to minimize the mess of unclogging drains. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the market for a drain unclogging apparatus that utilizes pressurized water to unclog sink drains, tubs and showers, but not necessarily limited to such drains. In a related embodiment, the unclogging apparatus is configured to unclog toilets and other large water filled basins.

The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a collapsible container for applying water pressure to clogs which provides a faster, natural and lower cost alternative to unclogging clogs than hiring a plumber with a plumber's snake. In one example embodiment of the invention, the unclogging device is collapsible and includes a valve-equipped lid and a plurality of semi-rigid ring seals to prevent lateral deformation of the entire unclogging device. In a number of embodiments, the apparatus fulfills the need for do-it-yourself plumbing options.

To use the declogger assembly device, a user fills the container body of the declogger device with liquid, preferably but not limited to water. To fill the declogger assembly, the user may add water through a valve or remove the cap to fill, and then cover it with the valve-equipped cap. The user then flips the container over and places the end with the valve-equipped cap over the clogged drain. The user then applies pressure to the top of the container body with the palm of hand and pushes downward to force the liquid out of the valve-equipped cap and into the drain to unclog it.

Among other things, it is an advantage of the invention to provide a collapsible container for applying water pressure from water currently surrounding a clog or plug formed from waste to remove the clog that does not suffer from any of the problems or deficiencies associated with prior solutions. It is still further an advantage of the invention to utilize water pressure and not external sources of oxygen or other gases to exert such pressure, which are less effective than exerting water, since water does not compress in the pipe. Still further, the apparatus has a collapsible body for reusable use, portability and storage purposes.

In one example embodiment, there is provided a plunger or declogger assembly device for clearing a drain pipe, the plunger assembly device includes an elongated frusto-conical body forming an elongate chamber therein, the frusto-conical body having a closed first end and an open second end, the first end having a diameter that is less than a diameter of the second end, and the frusto-conical body having a plurality of concentric rings which are longitudinally deformable upon receiving a downward pressure from the first end. The plunger assembly also includes a cover member adapted to be located over the second end having a flexible planar surface extending over the second open end, the planar surface including at least one slit configured to function as a valve which opens outwardly away from the second open end of the frusto-conical body. In a related embodiment, the plunger assembly includes at least one of a non-toxic fluid or water disposed within the elongate chamber, the non-toxic fluid or water being expelled upon a downward pressure being exerted on the first end of the frusto-conical body to clear the clog in the drain. In a related embodiment, the closed end is configurable to include a removable cap or cover for temporary access to the elongate chamber.

In another example embodiment, there is provided a plunger or declogger assembly device for clearing a drain pipe, the plunger assembly device including an elongated body forming an elongate chamber therein, the elongate body having a closed first end and an open second end, the elongated body including a plurality of concentrically shaped structures which are longitudinally deformable upon receiving a downward pressure from the closed first end. The plunger assembly also including a cover member adapted to be located over the second end having a flexible planar surface extending over the second open end, the planar surface including at least one slit configured to function as a valve which opens outwardly away from the second open end of the elongated body. In a related embodiment, the planar surface includes one of a plurality of outwardly opening valves, a plurality of outwardly opening valves with each of the valves having a plurality of slits, and the valve comprised a plurality of slits. In another related embodiment, the concentrically shaped structures of the plunger assembly include one of a square shape, a rectilinear shape, a triangular shape, an octagonal shape, tubular/cylindrical shape (collapsible as a telescope) and an oval shape.

In yet another embodiment, there is provided a method of unclogging or clearing a drain pipe, the method including the steps of providing an elongated body forming an elongate chamber therein, the elongated body having a closed first end and an open second end, a surface area of the first end being less than a surface area of the second end, the elongated body formed from a plurality of concentrically shaped structures which are longitudinally deformable upon receiving a downward pressure from the first end. The method also includes the step of covering the second end with a cover member having a flexible planar surface extending over the second open end, the planar surface including at least one slit configured to function as a valve which opens outwardly away from the second open end of the elongated body. The method further includes the step of filling the elongate chamber with a non-toxic fluid (or water) such that the fluid level is substantially at or about a rim of the second open end. Finally, the method includes exerting a downward pressure on the first end of the elongated body to thereby force the non-toxic fluid out through the at least one slit, thereby clearing the clogged drain with a non-compressible liquid force as opposed to a compressible air force. In a related method, the planar surface includes at least one of a plurality of outwardly opening valves and a plurality of outwardly opening valves with each of the valves having a plurality of slits.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a drain unclogging device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the drain unclogging device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the drain unclogging device.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the drain unclogging device with single slits.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the drain unclogging device with multiple slits.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a second embodiment of a drain unclogging device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the second embodiment of the drain unclogging device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the second embodiment of the drain unclogging device with multiple slits along with holding clips for securing a disk with the multiple slits.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment of the drain unclogging device with single slits.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded side view of the second embodiment of the drain unclogging device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cutaway, side view of the second embodiment of the drain unclogging device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a drain unclogging device disposed over a clogged drain in a sink.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a compressed (with water fill deployed) drain unclogging device disposed over a clogged drain in a sink.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Following are more detailed descriptions of various related concepts related to, and embodiments of, methods and apparatus according to the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

The various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include a collapsible cylindrical or frusto-conical shaped elongate container for applying liquid under pressure to clear drain clogs. Optionally, the elongate container is formed of other shapes which provide concentric shaped structures that facilitate downward compression and collapsing of same. The elongate container is collapsible and contains a lid having a built-in lip for sealing purposes and being valve-equipped to release water only (or any other non-toxic fluid or liquid) contained in the container when pressure is applied to the top of the container. The downward force on the top of the container forces the container to primarily collapse longitudinally, thereby forcing the liquid out and towards the clogged drain.

Referring to the Figures, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate top, side and perspective views of a plunger or declogger assembly device 10 shown for clearing a clogged (or slow draining) drain pipe. Declogger assembly 10 includes a flexible shallow cup structure 20 configured to collapse and has a top or first end 22 and a second end or bottom end 24. In this example embodiment, flexible cup structure 20 has an elongated frusto-conical body configuration forming an elongate chamber 28 therein. The frusto-conical body has a closed first end 22, in this embodiment, with a diameter that is less than a diameter of second end 24. The frusto-conical body is formed from a plurality of concentric rings 28A which are longitudinally deformable upon receiving a downward pressure at first end 22. In this example embodiment, declogger assembly 10 further includes a cover member 25 which is located over second end 24 having a flexible planar surface extending over second open end 24, the planar surface including at least one slit that functions as a valve which opens outwardly away from second open end 24 of the frusto-conical body, and inwardly when filling. In a related embodiment, the valve is a one-way valve which is configured to open outwardly away from the open end 24.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, in this example embodiment, shallow cup structure 20 includes a palm or dome-shaped disk 27 located at first end 22 which is used by a user to press downward to collapse plunger or declogger assembly device 10 (after filling the elongate chamber with water) when placed over a clogged drain attempting to unclog a drain. In this example embodiment, rigid concentric rings 28 are attached, integrated or molded into flexible cylinder wall segments to prevent the container body from laterally deforming when collapsed. Further, in this embodiment, semi-rigid sealing rings are around the mouth walls or opening of cover member or cap or lid 25 to prevent mouth deformation of cover member 25 during compression and to assist in creating a seal between declogger assembly 10 and cover member 25 over a drain opening (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a plurality of valves 30 located on or formed in cover member 25, which is located on the bottom or second end 24 of declogger assembly device 10. In this particular example embodiment, each of valves 30 disposed on flexible planar surface 29 have a semi-rigid hexagon configuration using two flaps 34 to form a single slit 32 flexible valve. In a related example embodiment, although not shown, cover member 25 includes a large single semi-rigid hexagon configuration using two flaps 34 to form a single slit 32 flexible valve for declogger assembly device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a plurality of multiple slit valves 40 located on or formed in cover member 25, which is located on the bottom or second end 24 of declogger assembly device 10. In this particular example embodiment, each of valves 40 disposed on flexible planar surface 29 have a semi-rigid hexagon configuration using multiple flaps 44 to form a plurality of slits 42 as flexible valves. In a related example embodiment, although not shown, cover member 25 includes a large single semi-rigid hexagon configuration using multiple flaps 44 to form a plurality of slits 42 flexible valve for declogger assembly device 10.

In each of the above embodiments, cover member 25 and planar surface 29 are formed of an elastomeric material, but are not necessarily limited to such a material. The elongate body and chamber are also formed of a rubber, silicone or plastic material that facilitates downward deformation. In one example embodiment, the first end includes a removable cap or cover to facilitate access to the elongate chamber for filling with water prior to unclogging the drain. Alternatively, the valve flaps can be pressed inwardly to allow filling directly into the elongate body without the removal of the cap.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-11 and a second embodiment of a declogging assembly 100, there are illustrated side, top, bottom, perspective, exploded and cutaway views of declogger assembly 100. In this example embodiment, declogger assembly 100 includes a vertically flexible elongate structure 120 configured to collapse and has a top or first end 122 and a second end or bottom end 124. In this example embodiment, flexible cup structure 120 has an elongated frusto-conical body configuration 120 forming an elongate chamber 128 therein. The frusto-conical body has a closed first end 122, in this embodiment, with a diameter that is less than a diameter of second end 124. The frusto-conical body is formed from a plurality of concentric rings 128A which are longitudinally deformable upon receiving a downward pressure at first end 122. In this example embodiment, declogger assembly 100 further includes a cover member 125 which is located over second end 124 having a flexible planar surface 126 extending over second open end 124, the planar surface 126 including multiple slits (or optionally at least one slit) such that each functions as a valve 140 which opens outwardly away from second open end 124 of the frusto-conical body 128, and inwardly when filling body 128. FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of drain declogger device 100 with multiple slit valves 140 with each having multiple slits 142 along with holding clips or detents 164 for securing a disk with the multiple slits within device 100. FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment of the drain unclogging device.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, there are illustrated an exploded side view of the second embodiment of the drain unclogging device 100 and a cutaway, side view of the second embodiment of the drain unclogging device 100, respectively. Palm disk 127 includes an engagement portion 127A comprised of one or more detents or prongs 127B for engaging an insert member 152, both of which fit within a sleeve member 150 to be placed on an upper portion of body 120 of device 100. Insert member 152 further includes a lower base 158 that supports a column 154 and outwardly protruding detents 156 that engage detents 127B of disk 127. Insert 152 assists in body 120 collapsing uniformly vertically when compressed downwardly from above at disk 127. A ring 160 is also included up within body 120 to assist with laterally rigidity and prevent sideward lateral (or horizontal) collapsing when body 120 is downwardly compressed. A clamping disk 162 with detents or clips 164 is then included within a secondary insert member 170 that also secures a silicone disk 126 within insert 170 through a series of holes 126A in the silicone disk. Silicone disk 126 includes one or more valves 140 formed therein and formed from slits and flaps 142 and 144, respectively, as described above. In a related embodiment, silicone disk 126 is a composite member having a semi-rigid surface with silicone flaps that form the valves 140 on the surface of disk 126. Secondary insert 170 further includes an upper cup portion 172 that engages body 120 and a lower base portion 174 that engages a cap or cover member 125. In this example embodiment, a steel ring 180 is optionally included or molded into body 120 for additional rigidity.

Referring now to all of the Figures, in particular FIGS. 12 and 13, there is disclosed a method of unclogging or clearing a drain pipe without the use of harsh chemicals or air pressure, either of which can be potentially a hazard for the user and/or be damaging to pipes in a waste or sewer or drain system. In particular, FIGS. 12-13 illustrate an uncompressed and a compressed drain declogging device, respectively, disposed within a sink and over a clogged drain. The method disclosed herein includes the steps of providing an elongated body 20/120 (highlighting both embodiments) forming an elongate chamber therein 28/128, the elongated body having a closed first end 22/122 and an open second end 24/124, the first end having a diameter that is less than a diameter of the second end, the elongated body formed from a plurality of concentric rings or shapes 28A/128A which are longitudinally deformable upon receiving a downward pressure from the first end 127. In other embodiments of the method, body 20/120 is substantially cylindrical or elongate in configuration, with the elongate body being formed of different shapes. The unclogging method further includes filling the elongate chamber 28/128 with a non-toxic fluid, such as water, such that the fluid level is at or about a rim of the second open end 24/124. A user covers second end 24/124 with a cover member 25/125 having a flexible planar surface 29 extending over the second open end, the planar surface including at least one slit 32 configured to function as a valve 30 (or 40) which opens outwardly away from the second open end of the elongate (or frusto-conical) body. Once the declogging assembly 10/100 is filled with water, the assembly is then placed over a drain 210 of a sink 200 having a clog in drain tubing 220. Finally, after a user places device 10/100 over the clogged drain, the user exerts a downward pressure on first end 22/122 of the elongate or frusto-conical body (or can be on palm disk 27) to thereby force the non-toxic fluid to flow out through the at least one slit or plurality of slits (such as slits 142) to force the fluid within chamber 28/128 towards the clogged drain 210, thereby forcing the clog through the drain using a like fluid for pressure. The force is exerted on the top of the declogging assembly which compresses the body of the declogger, as shown in FIG. 13, and a force is exerted on the clog in tube 220. The water forced out of the declogging assembly forces the clog out of tube 220 (downward arrow in tube).

The following patents are incorporated by reference in their entireties: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,287,564; 5,522,094; 5,940,897; 6,295,659; 6,895,606; 6,374,427; 6,519,785; and 9,863,130.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings. 

1. A plunger or declogger assembly device for clearing a drain pipe, the plunger assembly device comprising: an elongated frusto-conical body forming an elongate chamber therein, the frusto-conical body having a closed first end and an open second end, wherein the first end has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the second end, the frusto-conical body having a plurality of concentric rings which are longitudinally deformable upon receiving a downward pressure from the first end; and a cover member adapted to be located over the second end having a flexible planar surface extending over the second open end, the planar surface including at least one slit configured to function as a valve.
 2. The plunger assembly of claim 1, wherein the closed first end includes a raised dome structure to facilitate downward pressure on the frusto-conical body.
 3. The plunger assembly of claim 1, wherein the planar surface includes a plurality of valves.
 4. The plunger assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a plurality of slits.
 5. The plunger assembly of claim 1, wherein the planar surface includes a plurality of valves with each of the valves having a plurality of slits.
 6. The plunger assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover member consists of an elastomeric material.
 7. The plunger assembly of claim 1, wherein the second open end has an opening dimensioned to cover at least one of a kitchen drain, a bathroom sink drain, a bath/shower drain and a utility sink drain.
 8. The plunger assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a non-toxic fluid or water disposed within the elongate chamber, the non-toxic fluid or water being expelled upon a downward pressure being exerted on the first end of the frusto-conical body.
 9. The plunger assembly of claim 1, wherein the closed end is configured to include a removable cap or cover for access to the elongate chamber.
 10. A plunger or declogger assembly device for clearing a drain pipe, the plunger assembly device comprising: an elongated body forming an elongate chamber therein, the elongate body having a closed first end and an open second end, the elongated body including a plurality of concentrically shaped structures which are longitudinally deformable upon receiving a downward pressure from the closed first end; and a cover member adapted to be located over the second end having a flexible planar surface extending over the second open end, the planar surface including at least one slit configured to function as a valve.
 11. The plunger assembly of claim 10, wherein the closed first end includes a raised structure to facilitate downward pressure on the elongated body, thereby deforming the concentrically shaped structures.
 12. The plunger assembly of claim 10, further comprising at least one of a non-toxic fluid or water disposed within the elongate chamber.
 13. The plunger assembly of claim 10, wherein the planar surface includes one of a plurality of valves and a plurality of valves, with each of the valves having a plurality of slits.
 14. The plunger assembly of claim 10, wherein the concentrically shaped structures include one of a square shape, a rectilinear shape, a triangular shape, an octagonal shape, tubular/cylindrical shape (collapsible as a telescope) and an oval shape.
 15. The plunger assembly of claim 10, wherein the first closed end is configured to include a removable cap or cover to access the elongate chamber.
 16. A method of unclogging or clearing a drain pipe, the method comprising the steps of: providing an elongated body forming an elongate chamber therein, the elongated body having a closed first end and an open second end, wherein a surface area of the first end is less than a surface area of the second end, the elongated body formed from a plurality of concentrically shaped structures which are longitudinally deformable upon receiving a downward pressure from the first end; covering the second end with a cover member having a flexible planar surface extending over the second open end, the planar surface including at least one slit configured to function as a valve; filling the elongate chamber with a non-toxic fluid such that the fluid level is substantially at or about a rim of the second open end; and exerting a downward pressure on the first end of the elongated body to thereby force the non-toxic fluid out through the at least one slit.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the planar surface includes at least one of a plurality of valves and a plurality of valves with each of the valves having a plurality of slits.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the valve comprises a plurality of slits.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the concentrically shaped structures include one of a square shape, a rectilinear shape, a triangular shape, an octagonal shape, tubular/cylindrical shape (collapsible as a telescope) and oval shape.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the first closed end is configured to include a removable cap or cover to access the elongate chamber for filling with liquid. 